Design Manager

Overview

The Design Manager is responsible for directing the visual representation of Hamad International Airport's (HIA) brand across multiple platforms including digital interfaces, environmental spaces, corporate materials, and marketing campaigns. This role integrates hands-on creative design skills with strategic supervision to ensure all creative outputs adhere to brand guidelines, meet stakeholder expectations, and maintain high standards of creative excellence. Serving as the lead within the internal creative team, the Design Manager mentors junior designers, coordinates complex design projects, manages brand systems, and fosters innovative visual solutions. Support is also provided for events, activations, and branded airport experiences.

Core Responsibilities

• Convert broad creative briefs into effective visual strategies, impactful concepts, and cohesive design systems.
• Provide artistic direction during photo shoots, video productions, motion graphics creation, and live brand activations.
• Oversee the development of environmental designs, airport signage, branded merchandise, and physical brand assets consistent with brand and user experience criteria.
• Maintain and progressively develop the HIA visual identity framework, ensuring compliance with MATAR and Qatar Airways Group standards.
• Guarantee consistent application of all brand elements such as typography, color schemes, layout structures, and iconography across varied departments and mediums.
• Enhance brand guidelines, create updated design templates, and manage visual asset libraries to promote brand consistency and governance.
• Collaborate closely with Brand, Marketing, Communications (internal and external), Events teams, and Executive Offices to align on project requirements and execute effective design outcomes.
• Present creative approaches and justifications to stakeholders, obtain approvals, and incorporate constructive feedback.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Legal departments concerning usage rights, talent licensing, and supplier agreements as necessary.
• Provide ongoing creative mentorship and professional development support for junior design staff.
• Lead in-house design critiques and workshops to improve visual quality, team alignment, and storytelling skills.
• Keep abreast of global trends in design, branding, especially within travel, aviation, and luxury experience sectors.
• Integrate innovative design methods, motion graphics, and emerging media formats to enhance HIA’s visual distinctiveness at an international level.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related discipline plus at least 6 years professional experience, including a minimum of 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• OR High school diploma/vocational certification with a minimum of 9 years of creative design experience demonstrating capability to manage complex brand initiatives.

Technical and Creative Skills

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite applications: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, After Effects, and either XD or Figma.
• Experience designing campaign materials, motion graphics, signage systems, and promotional event collateral.
• Strong proficiency in typography and layout design for both print and digital platforms.
• Practical understanding of environmental design techniques and production workflows, including use of vinyl applications, exhibition graphics, and display setups.
• Familiarity with digital asset management tools and version control procedures used by large brand teams.
• Preferred: Skills in motion graphics, 3D signage visualization, or environmental media.
• Preferred: Arabic language skills.
• Preferred: Background in airport, aviation, hospitality, or infrastructural design settings.
• Effective communication and confidence in presenting design work and receiving feedback from senior leadership.